Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What does the General Ability Index (GAI) measure?

1. Cognitive abilities that are affected by environmental factors

2. Cognitive abilities that are heavily influenced by age

3. Cognitive abilities that are less vulnerable to impairment

4. Overall intelligence regardless of subtest performance

The correct answer is: Cognitive abilities that are less vulnerable to impairment

The General Ability Index (GAI) is designed to assess cognitive abilities that are less susceptible to impairments that may arise from extraneous factors such as cultural and environmental influences. The GAI primarily focuses on a person's nonverbal reasoning, problem-solving skills, and cognitive capabilities that are more stable across different contexts and experiences. This makes it useful in certain situations where it may be important to evaluate cognitive functioning without the variability that can be introduced by environmental or situational factors. In contrast to other indices that may factor in verbal skills and those that can be more affected by age or external influences, the GAI provides a clearer picture of an individual's cognitive strengths and capabilities, especially in contexts such as education or rehabilitation. It focuses on abilities that are fundamental to overall cognitive functioning and less likely to be disrupted by varying circumstances, thus allowing for a more reliable assessment for individuals with potential impairments or those coming from diverse backgrounds.